"I swear it is the strongest, most empowered, most free, and most honestly beautiful that I have ever felt," Keys wrote in the essay.

Whether she's on the red carpet or posting personal Instagram photos, Keys has been sticking to a minimal makeup look ever since. Sometimes she forgoes makeup completely, while other times she sticks with a light touch of foundation.

"Once the photo I took with Paola came out as the artwork for my new song 'In Common,' it was that truth that resonated with others who posted #nomakeup selfies in response to this real and raw me," she wrote.